Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, Prokofiev Piano Sonata No.7, Rachmaninov : Scherbakov(P)

Russia has long been a source of musical inspiration in the West. The Romantics in particular found the music of Russia fascinating, and this recording features a Russian pianist, Konstantin Scherbakov, playing an all-Russian program. If this latter statement is not enough to set this disc apart, consider this: Konstantin Scherbakov has become known for recording the 'unplayable' and has a discography spanning complete concerti by Tchaikovsky, Respeghi, Medtner and Scriabin. Another highly acclaimed project was the release of the complete Beethoven Symphonies in Franz Liszt's piano arrangement. Yet Konstantin has never made a live recording and has chosen Soirre Russe as entre into a new adventure. Some of the most powerful Russian repertoire are featured on this disc: Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, luminous Rachmaninoff pieces including the Elegy Op. 3 no.1 and Prokofieff's tumultuous Sonata no.7. The combination of great acoustic, concert-hall excitement and brilliant piano playing combines to create a stunning disc of energy and impact.